Obverse: Five pointed bronze star tipped with trefoils containing a crown of laurel and oak. In the center is Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and warfare, standing with left hand resting on fasces and right hand holding a shield blazoned with the escutcheon of the United States. She repulses discord, represented by a male figure holding snakes. It is made of solid red brass, oxidized and buffed.

Citation for Award: For gallant and heroic conduct while serving on board the U.S.S. Kansas. Chief Quarter Gunner Hill displayed great coolness and self-possession at the time Commander A. F. Crosman and others were drowned, near Greytown, Nicaragua, 12 April 1872, and by extraordinary heroism and personal exertion, prevented greater loss of life.

This medal is engraved as "John" instead of George. Hill was on the USS Kansas with CDR Crosman when the Commander, on a raft with other men, drowned when the raft capsized. The expedition was designed to map the coast of Nicaragua.